Pivoting Cutter, Pivoting Means To Operate Cutter, Or Pivoting Means To Move Conductor Against Cutter Patents (Class 439/409)
  • Patent number: 7985094
    Abstract: Connector block for electrically connecting a plurality of insulated conductors of a first data cable to corresponding insulated conductors of a second data cable, including first and second opposed rows of insulation displacement contacts (IDCs) extending out of a common side of the connector block for electrical connection with respective ones of the insulated conductors of the first data cable and the second data cable; and a plurality of pairs of levers coupled to the block, wherein relative movement of the levers of each pair of said pairs with respect to corresponding opposed IDCs of the first and second rows of IDCs electrically connects respective ones of the insulated conductors of the first data cable and the second data cable with said opposed IDCs.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 15, 2009
    Date of Patent: July 26, 2011
    Assignee: ADC GmbH
    Inventors: Wayne William Dennes, Brent David Allwood
  • Patent number: 7942689
    Abstract: An electrical connector assembly for forming insulation displacement connections with conductors in small wires includes a wire carrier and a base. Pierce points on the base are slid along opposed walls in a slot in the carrier to align small tips on the ends of the pierce points to form electrical connections with a conductor in a wire in the carrier. The connections are located inwardly of the slot walls.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 1, 2010
    Date of Patent: May 17, 2011
    Assignee: Phoenix Contact Development & Manufacturing, Inc.
    Inventors: John Phillip Huss, Jr., Ralf Geske, Hans-Hilmar Schulte, Karsten Freund, Markus Sonderer, Thomas Beier
  • Patent number: 7878841
    Abstract: The present invention relates to a pull-through modular jack and method of use thereof. The modular jack allows wires to be fed through the housing and pulled tight prior to terminating. This ensures that the wires terminate with the insulation displacement contact very close to the point at which the wires are still twisted. Termination is made by moving a pressing portion to a pressed position, which then pushes the wires into the insulation displacement contacts that displace the wire insulation to make contact.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 24, 2009
    Date of Patent: February 1, 2011
    Assignee: John Mezzalingua Associates, Inc.
    Inventor: Jeremy Amidon
  • Patent number: 7857655
    Abstract: An insulation displacement contact (1) according to the invention essentially distinguishes itself in that as a whole it comprises a cutter section with two opposing contact blades (3.1, 3.2) together with two fork sections which contribute to a clamping force with which the two contact blades are pressed together as soon as a conductor is inserted between the contact blades and they are pushed away from one another. In the process one fork (4) exerts proximally (i.e. on the side, from which the conductor is inserted) and the other fork (5) distally (i.e. on the side opposite), such that the two contact blades are pushed together at four points. The fork sections are angled relative to the cutter section (3), i.e. they do not run in the same plane as the cutter section. The two fork sections each constitute an independent, elastic spring. This means that in they will be substantially elastically and not plastically deformed as a result of the moving-apart of the contact blades (3.1, 3.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 9, 2009
    Date of Patent: December 28, 2010
    Assignee: Reichle & De-Massari AG
    Inventors: Tensing Gyagang, Reimar Grosskopf
  • Patent number: 7845968
    Abstract: An electrical connector assembly for forming insulation displacement connections with conductors in small wires includes a wire carrier and a base. Pierce points on the base are slid along opposed walls in a slot in the carrier to align small tips on the ends of the pierce points to form electrical connections with a conductor in a wire in the carrier. The connections are located inwardly of the slot walls.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 2, 2010
    Date of Patent: December 7, 2010
    Assignee: Phoenix Contact Development & Manufacturing, Inc.
    Inventors: John Phillip Huss, Jr., Ralf Geske, Hans-Hilmar Schulte, Karsten Freund, Markus Sonderer, Thomas Beier
  • Patent number: 7815462
    Abstract: An electric plug having a first connection region, a second connection region, and a contact carrier. The first connection region, having at least one vertical contact, is provided for connecting at least one electrical conductor, while the second connection region includes at least one horizontal contact for contacting a counter connector which is to be connected to the electric plug. The contact carrier includes an upper surface on which the vertical and horizontal contacts are provided, with the contact carrier being configured to electrically interconnect the first and second connection regions. Furthermore, the contact carrier is arranged in a housing, forming a datum plane on the lower side of the housing in the plug-in direction, with the upper surface of the contact carrier is arranged in an inclined position with respect to the datum plane.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 10, 2009
    Date of Patent: October 19, 2010
    Assignee: Tyco Electronics AMP GmbH
    Inventors: Werner Boeck, Rudolf E. Kraemer, Ralf Schmidt, Martin Szelag
  • Patent number: 7806718
    Abstract: An electrical connector and method of making an electrical connection wherein the connector includes a housing having an upper portion and a lower portion rotatable relative to each other, a chamber, a cavity configured to receive a first wire, and a first conductive member positioned within the chamber. The first conductive member is configured to extend into the cavity and establish electrical contact with a conductor of the first wire upon rotation of the upper housing portion relative to the lower housing portion. A second conductive member can be electrically coupled to a conductor of a second wire. The second conductive member is also electrically coupled to the first conductive member such that electrical conductivity can thus be established between the conductor of the first wire and the conductor of the second wire.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 23, 2007
    Date of Patent: October 5, 2010
    Assignee: Blazing Products Inc.
    Inventors: Thomas A. King, Douglas L. Kirk, Dan Julian
  • Patent number: 7794267
    Abstract: A card edge connector and a card edge assembly that utilizes the individual card end connectors are disclosed. The card edge connectors have slotted insulation displacement terminals to connect to wires. Each electrical connector has a housing with first mounting project extends from a first sidewall of the housing and a mounting recess extends from an oppositely facing second sidewall. The mounting projection is dimensioned to be received in the mounting recess of a second electrical connector, thereby allowing the connectors to be mounted to each other. This type of connector assembly allows the connector assembly to be built according to the needs of the end user. This modular aspect of the connector assembly adds flexibility while reducing the overall cost of manufacture. In addition, the use of the slotted insulation displacement terminals further enhances the flexibility of the connector assembly, as various wiring schemes can be effectively and cost efficiently utilized.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 6, 2008
    Date of Patent: September 14, 2010
    Assignee: Tyco Electronics Corporation
    Inventor: Christopher George Daily
  • Patent number: 7789695
    Abstract: The present invention provides an insulation displacement connector that is suitable for the tool-less connection of wires of various gages. The combination of channels having a reduction in effective diameter and blades having various gaps restricts the insertion of the wires such that an appropriately-sized pair of blades can pierce the insulation to contact the metallic core of each wire. Because of this configuration, the wire connector does not require excessive force to bite down on the wires. Because a large force is not required, the insulation displacement connector can be finger operated and no separate tool is necessary.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 9, 2008
    Date of Patent: September 7, 2010
    Assignee: Actuant Corporation
    Inventor: Patrick J. Radle
  • Patent number: 7758372
    Abstract: The invention concerns a connector designed to be fitted to a multi-conductor cable and which comprises at least one socket, a cable grip formed by a portion connected to the socket and a free portion articulated on the connected portion, and assembly means. The assembly means comprise a lever articulated around an articulation axis, held by the socket and distant from the articulation axis of the grip, wherein this lever has a curved end that may exert on the external surface of the free portion of the grip a thrust force which solicits the grip when closing in response to the application, on the lever, of a rotational torque around the articulation axis.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 11, 2008
    Date of Patent: July 20, 2010
    Assignees: Legrand France, Legrand SNC
    Inventors: Jean-Marc Jaouen, Didier Revol, Vincent Laroche, Nathalie Foratier
  • Patent number: 7753716
    Abstract: An electrical connector assembly for terminating first and second electrical wires, the electrical connector assembly comprising a housing including a compartment for receiving first and second IDC elements and a cap movably mounted to the housing to cover the compartment. The cap is movable between an open position and a closed position. The cap includes a general body portion, a wire retention portion, and a latching mechanism. The wire retention portion includes first and second wire holders to retain and align the respective electrical wires within the housing for engagement with a gripping portion of the respective IDC element when the cap is placed in a closed position. The gripping force of the wire holders is less than a gripping force of the IDC elements. The latching mechanism can releasably fasten the cap to the housing when the cap is placed in a closed position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 15, 2009
    Date of Patent: July 13, 2010
    Assignee: 3M Innovative Properties Company
    Inventors: Larry R. Cox, Sidney J. Berglund, Jerome A. Pratt
  • Patent number: 7713081
    Abstract: A communication is jack adapted to connect a cable that has an exposed ground wire mesh. The communication jack includes a first member, a second member, and a clamping component. The second member and the first member are capable of pivotally rotating relatively to be combined to form a clamping area. The cable is gripped by the clamping component and the second member in the clamping area, and the clamping component and the second member keep in contact with the ground wire mesh of the cable. Thus, the cable is fixed and grounded by simply combining the first and second members.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 1, 2008
    Date of Patent: May 11, 2010
    Assignee: Surtec Industries Inc.
    Inventor: Chou-Hsing Chen
  • Publication number: 20100068917
    Abstract: Connector block for electrically connecting a plurality of insulated conductors of a first data cable to corresponding insulated conductors of a second data cable, including first and second opposed rows of insulation displacement contacts (IDCs) extending out of a common side of the connector block for electrical connection with respective ones of the insulated conductors of the first data cable and the second data cable; and a plurality of pairs of levers coupled to the block, wherein relative movement of the levers of each pair of said pairs with respect to corresponding opposed IDCs of the first and second rows of IDCs electrically connects respective ones of the insulated conductors of the first data cable and the second data cable with said opposed IDCs.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 15, 2009
    Publication date: March 18, 2010
    Applicant: ADC GmbH
    Inventors: Wayne William Dennes, Brent David Allwood
  • Patent number: 7658639
    Abstract: The optical reduction of openings (12) in insulating housings (2) of terminal blocks (1) and an external characterization (23) of said series terminals, is achieved by terminal blocks being provided with conductor connection elements (4). The respective actuating opening of each contact point, which is used to receive actuating tools, is closed by means of a flap (17) provided with an integral hinge, the flaps forming a common surface with the insulated housing. Said flaps can include a visible feature or indicia on the surface thereof, characterizing the type of connection element.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 19, 2006
    Date of Patent: February 9, 2010
    Assignee: Phoenix Contact GmbH & Co. KG
    Inventor: Ralph Hoppmann
  • Patent number: 7632133
    Abstract: A cross connect terminal block, comprising: a base; at least one set of terminals disposed in the base, the terminal having a first end and a second end, the first end being used for connecting with a first set of wires and the second end being used for connecting with a second set of wires; at least a first cover removably disposed on the base and having a support means for supporting the first set of wires, the support means of the first cover being located at a position corresponding to the first end of the terminal; and at least a second cover removably disposed on the base and having a support means for supporting the second set of wires, the support means of the second cover being located at a position corresponding to the second end of the terminal.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 20, 2007
    Date of Patent: December 15, 2009
    Assignee: 3M Innovative Properties Company
    Inventor: Chen-Hsin Wu
  • Patent number: 7572140
    Abstract: An electrical plug comprises first and second housings rotatable between an open position and a closed position. The first and second housings each have contact elements arranged therein. A cable end seating is arranged between the first and second housings. The cable end seating has a first surface facing the first housing and an opposing second surface facing the second housing. The first and second surfaces are each provided with at least one seating for receiving a conductor element of a cable to be connected to the plug. The contact elements electrically contact the conductor elements when the first and second housings are in the closed position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 26, 2007
    Date of Patent: August 11, 2009
    Assignee: Tyco Electronics AMP GmbH
    Inventors: Martin Szelag, Ralf Schmidt, Bert Bergner, Werner Boeck
  • Patent number: 7559790
    Abstract: An electrical plug module includes a first housing and a second housing. The first housing has terminal contacts and insulation displacement contacts arranged therein. Each of the insulation displacement contacts is electrically connected to one of the terminal contacts. The second housing has wire receiving openings for receiving individual conductors of a cable. The wire receiving openings correspond to the insulation displacement contacts and are arranged in at least two separate planes. The first housing and the second housing are rotatable relative to one another between an open position and a closed position. The individual conductors are insertable into the wire receiving openings in the open position and are electrically connected to the insulation displacement contacts in the closed position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 31, 2008
    Date of Patent: July 14, 2009
    Assignee: Tyco Electronics AMP GmbH
    Inventors: Werner Boeck, Ralf Schmidt, Martin Szelag
  • Patent number: 7547226
    Abstract: A wire-connection apparatus for connecting wire to an electrical component having a terminal comprising a pair of contact members having a pair of adjacent edges is disclosed. The wire-connection apparatus comprises a wire-holding member connected for pivotal motion with respect to the terminal. The wire-holding member is penetrated by a wire-holding conduit for receiving a corresponding wire and is pivotal to a connection configuration wherein the corresponding wire extends through a space between the adjacent edges of the contact members to make electrical contact with the terminal. The wire-connection apparatus comprises a probe-access cover connected for pivotal motion with respect to the wire-holding member.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 22, 2007
    Date of Patent: June 16, 2009
    Inventor: Juergen Koessler
  • Patent number: 7540760
    Abstract: A communication jack structure is adapted for the configuration of a plurality of wires. The communication jack structure includes a base and a terminal pressing member. The base has two rows of piercing terminals, and the terminal pressing member has plural rows of pressing slots corresponding to the piercing terminals respectively. Each pressing slot has an inclined wire leading portion at the opening. The wire leading portion is used for leading the wire from the opening to the bottom of the pressing slot, so as to enhance the efficiency of assembling the wire and the terminal pressing member.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 2, 2008
    Date of Patent: June 2, 2009
    Assignee: Surtec Industries, Inc.
    Inventor: Chou-Hsing Chen
  • Patent number: 7540759
    Abstract: A terminating device for terminating subscriber wiring to pairs of insulation displacement type conductive contacts includes a protective sealing gel disposed within the terminating device. The gel encapsulates the conductive contacts and is characterized by a dynamic storage modulus G? and a dynamic loss modulus G? expressed in dynes/cm2 having a dynamic crossover point between about 1 rad/sec and about 20 rad/sec at any temperature in the range between about ?40° C. to about 80° C. The loss modulus G? is greater than the storage modulus G? at a shear frequency greater than the dynamic crossover point and is less than the storage modulus G? at a shear frequency less than the dynamic crossover point. The gel has an ultimate elongation greater than about 1000%, an ultimate tensile strength greater than about 2 psi, and a cone penetration value expressed in tenths of a millimeter between about 255 and 265.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 23, 2004
    Date of Patent: June 2, 2009
    Assignee: Corning Cable Systems LLC
    Inventors: Ziwei Liu, Paul J. Huspeni
  • Patent number: 7530836
    Abstract: An electrical connector assembly for terminating first and second electrical wires, the electrical connector assembly comprising a housing including a compartment for receiving first and second IDC elements and a cap movably mounted to the housing to cover the compartment. The cap is movable between an open position and a closed position. The cap includes a general body portion, a wire retention portion, and a latching mechanism. The wire retention portion includes first and second wire holders to retain and align the respective electrical wires within the housing for engagement with a gripping portion of the respective IDC element when the cap is placed in a closed position. The gripping force of the wire holders is less than a gripping force of the IDC elements. The latching mechanism can releasably fasten the cap to the housing when the cap is placed in a closed position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 23, 2008
    Date of Patent: May 12, 2009
    Assignee: 3M Innovative Properties Company
    Inventors: Larry R. Cox, Sidney J. Berglund, Jerome A. Pratt
  • Patent number: 7503797
    Abstract: A plug-in connector has a base element containing at least one insulation displacement contact which bonds and locates an at least single-core insulated cable in the assembled condition of the plug-in connector. The base element includes at least one inelastic clamping element the length of which is selected so that in the assembled condition of the plug-in connector the clamping element deforms a cable insulation or penetrates the cable insulation at least in part thereby clamping the cable.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 5, 2007
    Date of Patent: March 17, 2009
    Assignee: ERNI Electronics GmbH
    Inventor: Juergen Lappoehn
  • Patent number: 7481666
    Abstract: There is described an insulation displacement terminal connecting device with adjacent insulation displacement terminal connectors is created, its swivel joint levers forming a stepped separating plane. This allows an arrangement of the contact openings to be achieved with optimal space utilization, allowing a narrow structural form.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 11, 2007
    Date of Patent: January 27, 2009
    Assignee: Siemens Aktiengesellschaft
    Inventor: Ulf Stein
  • Patent number: 7465184
    Abstract: An electrical connector for terminating electrical conductors includes a housing and a cap mounted to the housing. The housing includes a first housing section extending between a front wall and a base, a first wire groove formed through the front wall, and an insulation displacement connector (IDC) element disposed in the first housing section and configured for attachment to a printed circuit. The cap includes a pivot portion pivotally mounted to the housing and a cover portion extending from the pivot portion, where the pivot portion defines a wire receiving recess. In this regard, the cap is rotatable between an open position in which the first recess is linearly aligned with the first wire groove, and a closed position in which the cover portion is coupled to the front wall and the pivot portion is offset from the base to define a wire cavity.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 28, 2007
    Date of Patent: December 16, 2008
    Assignee: 3M Innovative Properties Company
    Inventors: Richard J. Scherer, Michael L. Black
  • Patent number: 7462060
    Abstract: A closing lever is provided for housing-shaped cable connectors having an upper and a lower component on one of the housing components. This closing lever operates to close both housing components in conjunction with a cam on the other housing component. This configuration ensures reliable closing without special exertion of force for the purpose of virtually automatically connecting two cables to each other.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 15, 2003
    Date of Patent: December 9, 2008
    Assignee: Woertz AG
    Inventor: Maurice Hamoignon
  • Patent number: 7462061
    Abstract: A connector for locate wires employs a platform which has a plurality of angularly spaced wire apertures. A conductive wire stripper member has a plurality of slots corresponding to said apertures and is angularly positionable between closed and open positions. Locate wires may be connected by inserting the wires into the apertures when the wire member is in an open position and electrically connected by angularly pivoting the conductive member to the closed position. A ground connector provides a ground connection for the connector to ground the locate wires.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 23, 2006
    Date of Patent: December 9, 2008
    Assignee: Electric Motion Company, Inc.
    Inventor: William J. Balfour
  • Patent number: 7458840
    Abstract: A cap including a width and configured to removably connect to an insulation displacement connector (IDC) block includes a body and a projection extending from the body. The projection is configured to engage with an aperture in the IDC block. At least one of the body or the first projection may be manipulated in order to adjust the width of the cap.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 8, 2005
    Date of Patent: December 2, 2008
    Assignee: 3M Innovative Properties Company
    Inventor: Jerome A. Pratt
  • Patent number: 7448900
    Abstract: A wires connection device includes a body having a chamber defined in a top thereof and a sidewall of the chamber includes a through hole through which a sub-wire extends. A groove is defined in the top of the body and communicates with the through hole via a recess in another sidewall of the chamber. A main wire is engaged with the groove. A slot is defined in an inner periphery of the recess and extends to the groove. A positioning member is received in the chamber and has a conductive member which is engaged with the slot. The conductive member includes a first conductive section to penetrate the sheath of the sub-wire and a second conductive section which penetrate the sheath of the main wire. A cover is mounted to the top of the body and presses the positioning member.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 4, 2007
    Date of Patent: November 11, 2008
    Assignee: Ata Auto Industries Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Joe Chen
  • Patent number: 7413465
    Abstract: An insulation-displacement assembly is disclosed. The insulation-displacement assembly includes a first insulation-displacement terminal (IDT) adapted to receive in a mating configuration a second IDT, the first IDT including a first plate that includes: a base edge and a slot configured to receive an electrical conductor surrounded by an insulator and to displace the insulator, wherein the slot extends towards the center of the first plate from a second edge located opposite the base edge. The insulation-displacement assembly further includes a first housing component coupled to the first IDT.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 15, 2006
    Date of Patent: August 19, 2008
    Assignee: Illinois Tool Works, Inc.
    Inventor: Robert N. Taylor
  • Patent number: 7402074
    Abstract: A bracket mounted product, such as a floodlight, is provided having a dual latch bracket with integral strap tensioning and wire splicing for mounting on tubing or another suitable mounting structure, featuring a mounting arrangement and a splicing latch arrangement. The mounting arrangement has a mounting base for supporting the light or other suitable product or device on the tubing or another suitable mounting structure, and has a mounting strap for wrapping around the tubing or other suitable mounting structure.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 21, 2005
    Date of Patent: July 22, 2008
    Assignee: ITT Manufacturing Enterprises, Inc.
    Inventors: Kenneth J. LeBlanc, Gregory S. Cook, Oliver C. Frost
  • Patent number: 7399197
    Abstract: An electrical connector for terminating at least one electrical conductor comprises a housing including a cavity for receiving at least a first IDC element, a cap including a pivot portion and a cover portion, wherein the pivot portion is pivotally mounted to the housing to allow the cap to be pivoted between an open position and a closed position, at least one recess in the pivot portion of the cap, and a cutting edge within the cavity of the housing adjacent the recess in the pivot portion of the cap.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 15, 2004
    Date of Patent: July 15, 2008
    Assignee: 3M Innovative Properties Company
    Inventors: Xavier Fasce, Guy Metral, Jerome A. Pratt
  • Publication number: 20080146073
    Abstract: There is described an insulation displacement terminal connecting device with adjacent insulation displacement terminal connectors is created, its swivel joint levers forming a stepped separating plane. This allows an arrangement of the contact openings to be achieved with optimal space utilization, allowing a narrow structural form.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 11, 2007
    Publication date: June 19, 2008
    Inventor: Ulf Stein
  • Patent number: 7347717
    Abstract: An insulation-displacement system that comprises a first insulation-displacement terminal (IDT) adapted to receive in a mating configuration a second IDT. The first IDT comprises a first plate that includes a base edge, and a slot configured to receive an electrical conductor surrounded by an insulator and displace the insulator. The slot extends towards the center of the first plate from a second edge located opposite the base edge.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 12, 2006
    Date of Patent: March 25, 2008
    Assignee: Illinois Tool Works
    Inventor: Robert N. Taylor
  • Patent number: 7344404
    Abstract: An electrical connecting device with a housing, with terminals for insulated conductors, with at least one conductor bar, with at least two actuating elements and with at least two insulation piercing elements, the actuating elements being arranged to be able to turn relative to the insulation piercing elements and each having a conductor receiver for the conductors to be connected. The insulation piercing elements establish electrical contact of a conductor which has been inserted into the conductor receiver to the conductor bar, when the actuating element is pivoted out of a first position, in which the conductor can be inserted into the conductor receiver into a second position. By the conductor receiver being able to have at least two insulated conductors can be inserted therein, the possible applications are further enhanced, and the dimensions of the connecting device can be as small as possible.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 8, 2006
    Date of Patent: March 18, 2008
    Assignee: Phoenix Contact GmbH & Co. KG
    Inventor: Bernd Wilinski
  • Patent number: 7335049
    Abstract: An electrical connector for terminating at least one electrical conductor comprises a first side and a second side each comprising a housing including a cavity for receiving at least a first IDC element, a cap including a pivot portion and a cover portion, where the pivot portion is pivotally mounted to the housing to allow the cap to be pivoted between an open position and a closed position, at least one recess in the pivot portion of the cap, and a cutting edge within the cavity of the housing adjacent to the recess in the pivot portion of the cap.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 8, 2005
    Date of Patent: February 26, 2008
    Assignee: 3M Innovative Properties Company
    Inventors: Sergio A. Alarcon, Xavier Fasce, Guy Metral, Jerome A. Pratt
  • Patent number: 7331814
    Abstract: An apparatus is configured to releasably attach to an access cover of an insulation displacement connector block. The apparatus is adapted to engage with the insulation displacement connector block to form at least a part of a securing mechanism for securing the access cover in a first closed position. The apparatus may be disengaged from the insulation displacement connector block to move the access cover from the first closed position to a second open position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 30, 2005
    Date of Patent: February 19, 2008
    Assignee: 3M Innovative Properties Company
    Inventor: Jerome A. Pratt
  • Patent number: 7303426
    Abstract: A stackable bridging connector having a pair of contact members, each comprising a first termination end and a second termination end and a connector having a pair of wire receiving passages. The first termination end is dimensioned to be received in a pair of receiving ports of an electrical connector. The wire receiving passages are movable between a first position in which a pair of wires are held apart from the second termination end and a second position in which the pair of wires are inserted into the second termination end.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 16, 2006
    Date of Patent: December 4, 2007
    Assignee: Channell Commercial Corporation
    Inventor: Gerald L. Shimirak
  • Publication number: 20070243752
    Abstract: An insulation-displacement assembly is disclosed. The insulation-displacement assembly includes a first insulation-displacement terminal (IDT) adapted to receive in a mating configuration a second IDT, the first IDT including a first plate that includes: a base edge and a slot configured to receive an electrical conductor surrounded by an insulator and to displace the insulator, wherein the slot extends towards the center of the first plate from a second edge located opposite the base edge. The insulation-displacement assembly further includes a first housing component coupled to the first IDT.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 15, 2006
    Publication date: October 18, 2007
    Inventor: ROBERT N. TAYLOR
  • Patent number: 7281941
    Abstract: A stripping and contact device for an insulation displacement connector is provided. The device has a body which has a cavity therein sized to receive an unstripped end of insulated electrical cable. A lid is pivotally connected to a body and moves around an axis of rotation between and open position and a closed position. Plural metallic contact plates, including a hot contact plate, a neutral contact plate, and at least one ground contact plate, are spaced apart and attached to the lid. When the lid is in open position the contact plates do not extend within said cavity and when the lid in a closed position the contact plates do extend within said cavity. A pair of insulating wedges is provided. A first wedge is juxtaposed between said hot contact plate and a ground contact plate. A second wedge is juxtaposed between a ground contact plate and a neutral contact plate. Angled surfaces on the wedges perform multiple functions during a closing operation of the device.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 4, 2007
    Date of Patent: October 16, 2007
    Assignee: Aslan Industries, Corporation
    Inventors: Charles A. Libby, II, Robert A. Libby, David E. Montgomery, Kyle Mason
  • Patent number: 7275952
    Abstract: A hinged electrical connector is disclosed. The connector includes an arcuate lid portion and an arcuate connector housing portion hingedly attached to the lid portion. The lid portion includes a wire alignment structure to retain one or more wires in a compact fashion and the connector housing portion has at least one electrically conductive contact retained in it to engage the wires retained in the wire alignment structure. The lid and connector housing close to an operative position to form an electrical connector that can be passed through standard electrical panel knock-outs and which is also resistant to snagging.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 25, 2006
    Date of Patent: October 2, 2007
    Assignee: Tyco Electronics Corporation
    Inventor: David James Fabian
  • Patent number: 7249961
    Abstract: A jack assembly and method for electrically coupling a jack assembly to a plurality of wires. At least some of the illustrative embodiments are jack assemblies comprising a first portion, a second portion hingedly coupled to the first portion, and a wire guide configured to detachably couple within an internal cavity defined by the first and second portions (the wire guide defining an aperture, wherein the aperture is configured to receive a plurality of wires). The jack assembly is configured to electrically couple to the plurality of wires when the first portion is closed onto the second portion by way of the hinged coupling.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 3, 2006
    Date of Patent: July 31, 2007
    Assignee: Direct Connect
    Inventor: Charles J. Provenzano
  • Patent number: 7223117
    Abstract: A circuit marker bearing a visual indicium is configured to removably attach to an access cover of an insulation displacement connector block. The circuit marker comprises a body adapted to attach to the access cover, means for attaching the body to the access cover, where the means includes at least one projection extending from the body and is adapted to engage with a recess formed in the access cover.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 3, 2005
    Date of Patent: May 29, 2007
    Assignee: 3M Innovative Properties Company
    Inventor: Jerome A. Pratt
  • Patent number: 7223116
    Abstract: An insulation piercing connector (2) is held inside a base body (1), and a closing element (3) is guided inside said base body. The closing element can be transferred into a closed position at least from one open position, in which a conductor (4) can be inserted into the closing element (3). By transferring the closing element (3) into the closed position, the conductor (4) can be inserted into the insulation piercing connector (2) and can be held and clamped therein. An over spring (7) is arranged on the closing element (3). Said over spring surrounds the insulation piercing connector (2) and contacts the same via contact pieces (8) whereby exerting a pressure force (F) onto the insulation piercing connector (2).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 3, 2001
    Date of Patent: May 29, 2007
    Assignee: Siemens Aktiengesellschaft
    Inventors: Wolfgang Brandl, Peter Donhauser, Alfred Fischer, Ludwig Niebler
  • Patent number: 7186132
    Abstract: The electrical connector has a housing with blades and multiple holes extending into the housing. A blade passes vertically through a snug slot in the housing and has holes with a keyhole shape. A first lever extends from a living hinge of the top of the housing and has a lock that secures the first lever when closed. In an alternate embodiment, the present invention has a second blade and slot, and a second lever hinged opposite and above the first lever that closes upon the first lever. In use, a worker grasps the connector and inserts insulated wires into the holes. Then the worker uses a thumb and forefinger to close the first lever which pushes the blade where the keyholes cut through insulation on the wires to make an electrical connection. The holes, openings, and slots have a waterproofing agent or silicone gel to seal the wires.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 15, 2006
    Date of Patent: March 6, 2007
    Inventor: Raul Quintanilla
  • Patent number: 7165983
    Abstract: An access cover configured to pivotally connect to an insulation displacement connector (IDC) block includes a body and a releasable securing mechanism extending from the body. The body includes an opening configured to receive a testing device and a recess configured to receive an electrical conductor. The releasable securing mechanism is configured to engage with the IDC block to releaseably fix the access cover in a closed position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 8, 2005
    Date of Patent: January 23, 2007
    Assignee: 3M Innovative Properties Company
    Inventors: Xavier Fasce, Jerome A. Pratt
  • Patent number: 7150659
    Abstract: The cable connector for making an electrical contact with a cable (1) having a cable conductor (2), comprises a guiding means (4) for receiving one end (1a) of the cable (1) in an initial state (O), a contact element (6) for electrically contacting the cable conductor (2) in a final state, and a holding means (18) for holding the cable (1) in electrical contact with the contact element (6) in the final state, wherein the guiding means (4) and the contact element (6) are moveable relative to each other, allowing for movements between the initial state (O) and the final state. A spring device (7) is provided, which is arranged such that it exerts a force against the movement from the initial state (O) to the final state, and which moves the cable (1) towards the initial state (O) if the cable is not in the final state. A contact ensuring mechanism (8) can be provided, which in the final state reduces the force exerted by the spring device (7) against the movement from the initial state (O) to the final state.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 12, 2004
    Date of Patent: December 19, 2006
    Assignee: ABB Research Ltd
    Inventors: Sami Kotilainen, Christian Ohler
  • Patent number: 7144269
    Abstract: An electrical connector provides an electrical connection to an unstripped end of an insulated electrical cable of the type having an outer sheath within which an insulated hot wire, an insulated neutral wire, and a ground wire are enclosed. The connector has a body formed of an electrically insulating material and a cavity in a first body end sized to receive an unstripped end of the cable. A lid is pivotally connected to the body which is adapted to rotate around an axis of rotation between and open position and a closed position. A hot blade conductor, a neutral blade conductor, and at least one ground blade conductor are positioned in the lid. The blade conductors each have at least one downwardly depending blade and an outlet portion. The blades conductors are spaced apart. When the lid is in open position, the blades do not extend within said cavity. When the lid in a closed, the blades do extend within the cavity and make an electrical connection with the hot, neutral and ground wires of the cable.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 23, 2003
    Date of Patent: December 5, 2006
    Inventors: Robert A. Libby, Devin B. Decker
  • Patent number: 7140905
    Abstract: An electrical plug includes a first portion and a second portion that is matable with the first portion. The second portion has a channel for receiving a wire. The first portion includes at least one prong having a bifurcated contact. The bifurcated contact can pierce an insulation of the wire in the channel and can make contact with at least one conductor of the wire when the first portion is mated with the second portion. The bifurcated contacts are displaced longitudinally from one another along the length of the channel.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 20, 2004
    Date of Patent: November 28, 2006
    Assignee: Leviton Manufacturing Co., Inc.
    Inventor: Cosmo Castaldo
  • Patent number: 7137845
    Abstract: A plug connector consisting of a female plug and a male plug comprises a plurality of signal contacts that are combined into an assembly, and a plurality of power contacts that likewise are combined into an assembly. The power contact assembly has a housing provided with insulation piercing contacts, as well as a cable guide that includes a cable receiving opening and is pivotally provided on the housing, so that it can swivel between an open position in which a cable can be pushed into the cable receiving opening, and a closed position in which the cable is forced into the insulation piercing contact.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 26, 2005
    Date of Patent: November 21, 2006
    Assignee: Harting Electronics GmbH & Co. KG
    Inventors: Jean Francois Bernat, Jean-Merri De Vanssay
  • Patent number: 7129429
    Abstract: An electrical limit switch (10) is provided and comprises a number of contact elements (30) each having a slot (32) with inner cutting edges (34) for penetrating the insulation of and containing a conducting element (48). The contact elements (30) are provided on a body which engages a base (56) wherein the base (56) receives a plurality of conducting elements (48). Upon engagement of the body and base (56), the conducting elements (48) are foced into respective slots (32) in the contact elements (30), thus providing a rapid electrical connection. The switching means of the limit switch (1) is provided by an actuating arrangement (14) including a plunger portion (16) and a roller (18), wherein the plunger(16) includes electrical contacts (36a, 36b) which are moveable with the plunger. Each contact (36a, 36b) provides an electrical connection between two of the contact elements (30) when the plunger (16) is in the appropriate position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 11, 2001
    Date of Patent: October 31, 2006
    Assignee: Honeywell Control Systems Limited
    Inventors: Paul Trickett, James Boyd